Why does the signal get delayed at the AV Node?

Question

so the ventricles can contract before the atria contract

so the atria can finish contracting before the ventricles contract

Answer 1

The signal gets delayed at the AV node to allow the ventricles to contract after the atria have finished contracting. This delay ensures that blood has enough time to flow from the atria to the ventricles before the ventricles contract, allowing for efficient and effective pumping of blood throughout the body. This sequence is essential for proper heart function and circulation.